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Congratulations to Grace McDermott and Rebecca Doherty who participated in the “Gaisce Defence Force Challenge” which took place from the 11^th to the 14^th of June.  A group of 30 students were chosen from around the country to compete in a mentally and physically challenging couple of days, as they toughed it out in pursuit of their bronze and silver Gaisce Awards. The challenge weekend pushed young Gaisce adventurers to their limits and beyond. Over four days and three nights, the young people took part in outdoor pursuits, aerial runways, zip wires, river crossings, obstacle courses, hiking and survival skills, personal training sessions and 10km runs!

The “Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge” aims to provide a unique, challenging, and memorable experience that creates strong bonds between participants as well as the opportunity to develop self-sufficiency and leadership skills. The once in a lifetime opportunity kicked  off at the Custume Barracks, Athlone before moving to the Curragh, Co. Kildare and concluded after the participants completed their final challenge of conquering the Slieve Bawn Mountains and an overnight camping stay in Carnagh. The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award for young people and is the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme. It is a challenge from the President of Ireland to the young people of Ireland.

Gaisce – The President’s Award was established in 1985 to mark the United Nations’ International Youth Year, while the Defence Forces has been involved in development and implementation of the Defence Forces Gaisce Challenge for more than 30 years.

At the end of the week the girls received a certificate of completion from the Irish Defense Forces. Well done girls!!!